Hole NotesThe official publication of the MGCSA

Vol. 44, No. 4 May 2012

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Page 3

Norby Elected to Architect’s Society!Story on page 22

CONTENTS Vol. 44, No. 4 May 2012

Presidential Perspective page 5 Scottie Hines CGCS

In Bounds page 7 Jack MacKenzie CGCS

Within the Leather pages 30-31 Dave Kazmierczak CGCS

EDITORDAVE KAZMIERCZAK CGCS

DAVE@PRESTWICK.COMCASTBIZ.NET

Feature Articles:Golden Valley G&CC Site of MGCSA The Scramble page 10-13 Contributed by Jeff Ische, Superintendent Golden Valley G&CC

Tips For Use of Tenacity Herbicide pages 14-17 Written by Dr., David Gardener, Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science OSU

Mr. Hines Goes To Washington pages 18- 19 Written by Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Sr. Director of Communications

Monthly Columns:

About the cover: Resplendent in its morning glory, the

eight hole at Golden Valley, a par three, is beautiful! However this 170 yard test

has teeth in the form of bunkers and water. Don’t be lulled by good looks at

“The Scramble on June 11th....Even More Content...

On Board: page 23 MGCSA BOD members share their views

Thank You Reinders, Inc. for co-hosting the page 26Educational event on April 25 with the MGA at Midland Hills Country Club . The Membership appreciates your Support!

Hole Notes (ISSN 108-27994) is digitally published monthly except bimonthly in November/December and January/February by the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, 10050 204th Street North, Forest Lake, MN 55025. Jack MacKenzie CGCS publisher. Please send any address changes, articles for publication, advertising and concerns to jack@mgcsa.org.

Mechanical Matters:This month’s guest Mechanic, Chad Braun, describes an easy cure for a persisitant prob-lem. Find the picture/article on page 9. Have idea to share? Please contact me at jack@mgcsa.org.

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HOLE NOTESOfficial Publication

of the MGCSA

2012 Board of DirectorsOfficersPresident

Scottie Hines CGCSWindsong Farm GC

Vice-PresidentRoger Stewart Jr.

TPC Twin Cities

SecretaryBrian Brown

Chisago Lakes GC

TreasurerE. Paul Eckhom CGCS

Heritage Links GC

DirectorsJoe ChurchillReinders Inc.

Eric CounselmanSomerby GC

Kerry GladerPlaisted Companies

Bill GullicksBellwood Oaks GC

Jeff IsheGolden Valley G&CC

David Kazmierczak CGCSPrestwick GC

Matt McKinnonThe Legacy Courses

Bob PorterHiawatha GC

Jake SchmitzOlympic Hills GC

Executive DirectorJack MacKenzie CGCS

MGCSA

WinField Acquires Precision Turf & ChemicalAcquisition strengthens service to customers in the Upper

Midwest SHOREVIEW, Minn. – WinField, one of the nation’s largest distributors of professional products for turf, ornamental, pest control, aquatics and vegetation management, announced today it has completed the acquisition of the assets of Minnesota-based Precision Turf & Chemical. The combination of WinField’s integrated system of partners, services and solutions, and Precision Turf’s team of experts with 30 years of experience, will come together to give customers in the Upper Midwest access to a broader range of products and services. There has been no change in personnel and we will be providing the same great products and fine service on which we have built our reputation in the industry. With Winfield Solutions you can expect the same dedication to quality and service that you have come to expect from Precision Turf & Chemical over the years. Of course, now you also can expect terrific new additions to our product line.

WinField has 80 service centers across the country and close to 100 sales representatives in golf course management, lawn and sports turf management, pest control, aquatics and vegetative management markets. “We are excited to strengthen our presence in the Midwest by adding experienced and knowledgeable experts with localized expertise to our team,” said Kanchan Chavan, Director, Professional Products Marketing, WinField. “This acquisition allows WinField to bring the same broad range of products, insights and expertise used at the country’s most prestigious golf courses, sporting venues and commercial properties to the Midwest customers.”

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Presidential Perspectiveby Scottie Hines CGCS I hope everyone is having as fun a spring as I am. We deserve this

after the ugly start to the 2011 season! I have had the opportunity to play a few places and playing conditions are spectacular! Why is it that with everything in great shape, compared to last year, my staff and I seem busier then ever? Hard to explain but the days are going by very fast. I hope this continues to about October first.

One of my staffers and I had a great conversation the other day. This particular guy has worked for me the past few years but went another direction last year. It is a treat to have him back in the fold as he is a jack of almost all trades! Anyway, after a year away he was commenting on how much fun it is to be back and feel appreciated. I asked

what he meant by that. He continued with the fact that at the end of everyday one of my assistants or me personally sees everyone out, gets the re-cap on what did or did not get done and says a very sincere “Thank you for another great day! See you tomorrow.” He commented that no one ever said thanks at his last job. He said that we probably never hear it but that little “Thank you” goes a long way with all the staff. While I have always tried to do that at the end of every day, I am not always successful. My mentor, Mark Kuhns, CGCS, always did this. I guess I learned that is what needs to be done at the end of the day, but perhaps, somehow, I had forgotten how important those words really are. I am grateful to Dave for reminding me. So in turn, I remind you say thanks. The little things go on a lot longer than we think.

Cheers to the remainder of 2012.

“I’ll see you at ‘The Scramble’on June 11!!! A great piece of property, a great cause!”

Scottie Hines CGCS

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In Bounds A friend of mine, Adam Ikamis, Executive Director of the Michigan Chapter of

the GCSAA summed it up in one sentence, “Don’t kid yourself Jack, you are going to be very, very busy.” He was and continues to be correct!!! It isn’t a good busy, but rather a GREAT busy. In fact this new life opportunity has offered me many more rewards than I had expected when contemplating the position last fall. While the politics, negotiations, publications, networking, speaking engagements, event planning, financial management and everyday minutia of association business were overwhelming at first, all of the new issues have provided a sound degree of personal satisfaction once I acclimated to the challenges. Somewhat politically active, (oh all right I do march on the State Capitol occasionaly) the new role of Executive Director has required me to think about the bigger picture; from a Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents’ Association perspective, such as how to maintain our allies and win over golf’s antagonists. As an active representative with the Minnesota Environmental Initiative I have held my personal verbiage and extended the olive branch share to our issues with all at the table including big business, state

agencies, public organizations and political representatives. Although most engagements have focused upon speakers and issues, the MGCSA has always been a welcomed partner. As an invited participant on the MPCA’s Storm Water Management Turfgrass Work Team I have learned how valuable the MGCSA presence is in discussions. Our industry is considered by those ‘in the know’ a responsible player from construction through management. Our insight was solicited to ensure scientific and realistic objectives were being met beyond the golf course industry and throughout out state. Holding a seat on the MDA’s Pesticide Management Plan Committee I have learned that our group is a very small target when alongside our friends in the agriculture industry. However their actions and use of chemistries will have a direct impact upon golf course management if we are not present to protect our interests. Recently the MDA also extended an invitation to our Association to participate on the committee responsible for reviewing and re-writing the Pesticide Certification Workbook for A and E categories. Too be rubbing elbows with the “wheelers and dealers” in the MDA is pretty cool and a big feather in our cap. And I mean “our cap”. There is no j-a-c-k spelled in the MGCSA. Just a whole lot of members too busy getting their jobs done to attend all of the meetings necessary to show our presence on a voluntary basis. At

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each and every event I have attended this year the MGCSA, YOU, have been graciously and very respectfully welcomed. We are the ones dressed professionally representing a very distinguished profession! Our impression goes beyond meet and greets. You have noticed a new Hole Notes Magazine. Once a skeptic of the digital format I am now convinced of its readability and very positive promotional format for our Affiliate members. Kudos to Dave Kazmierczak for his editorial magnetism. Since inception, each of our three magazines has averaged 492 reads with 9,524 unique page views. This is an amazing statistic. Soon to be unveiled, Bob Porter has been busy working on the new MGCSA.org web site with builder LCM Inc. This company, managed by a current superintendent, has the intuitive feel of what professional golf course turf managers are looking for. Everybody hates going to a new

web site only to find “under construction” notes on important pages. Thus the new site will not be ready for business until it is fully operational. In a few weeks you can expect a hard copy mailing with a “how to” guide on managing the new destination. Thanks to Bob for his craftsmanship on this project, completed at a much reduced price due to his competency. Busy…yup, real busy. Tournament planning, educational formats, financial resolutions, member assimilation and communications (over 80 thus far this year) have kept me hopping. Good thing for all of us the BOD has been exceptional in their position of guiding the MGCSA. Next on the docket…additional work on the BMP Stewardship Manual, more social and golf events and continued communication. Thanks for this awesome chance to expand my/our horizons!

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Mechanical MattersContributed by Chad Braun, Equipment Manager, Prestwick Golf

Challenge: Split flange holder is not good at sending grease directly to the bearing. Rather it leaks out in-between the flanges.

Solution: Place a small bead of RTU silicone between the flanges prior to assembly. This forces grease into bearing instead of leaking between flanges. Silicone easily comes apart when replacing the bearing during the next service.

Above you can see the grease oozing out between the flanges on a Toro 3000 reel wheel assembly after application.

To the right observe the black marker line which indicates where a bead of silicone is to be placed insuring the stoppage of leakage and the redirec-tion of grease to the bearing.

Above, now off the machine you can see the gap and problem in the bearing.

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“The Scramble”, your golden ticket to Fun at Golden Valley Golf and Country Club

By Jeff Ische, Executive Director, Property and Sports Operations

GVGCC is a private country club, approaching its 100th Anniversary. The course originally opened in 1914 as a nine hole facility, then was redesigned and expanded to an 18 hole, par 73 course by A. W. Tillinghast in 1925-26.

Tillinghast has designed some of the best courses in the world. His designs include Bethpage Black, Winged Foot, Somerset Hills, Baltusrol and San Francisco Golf Club. Our property is unique because we have Basset Creek,

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“The Scramble”, your golden ticket to Fun at Golden Valley Golf and Country Club

By Jeff Ische, Executive Director, Property and Sports Operations

a set of active railroad tracks and a road all running through the course. The course is pretty standard fare off the tee, the difficulty lies from 100 yards and in, putting a premium on your short game!

The course has had quite a bit of restoration work and improvements done in the last 15 years. The bunkers were completely rebuilt by Hartman Companies in 1997 and 1998. By using aerial photos taken in the 1930’s, they were able to dig down, find the original sand buried when the bunkers were filled in during the 1950’s and follow that sand layer right to the old bunker edge. Because of this almost archaeological process, they were able to rebuild the bunkers to their original Tillinghast design specifications. Ten years later, in 2007 and 2008, Hartman Companies installed a completely new Toro irrigation system and also rebuilt all of the tee complexes, shortening the course for developing players and lengthening it for more accomplished players during the process. The green complexes are what people remember after playing

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Hole 16 at Golden Valley Golf and Country Club by P. Wong.

GVGCC. I know it is easier said than done, but the key is to position yourself in the fairway off the tee in order to give your team the best chance of hitting the small greens and staying out of the deep green side bunkers. Check out the back bunkers on 12 and 16 for examples of how punishing some of them can be! Nearly every green slopes back to front, some more severe than others, so it is always a good idea to stay a little short of the flag. With six par fives, there are plenty of chances to make birdie or better, but beware of the five par

threes. They are no walk in the park! The toughest hole on the course is #7, a long par four with its green guarded by Bassett Creek. The easiest hole is #13, a 485 yard par five. Can you say eagle! It has been quite some time since GVGCC has had an association golf event. I felt that we were long overdue, recognized that we owe this opportunity to the MGCSA and I am excited to be hosting a group of superintendents, assistants and our vendors. It is hard to believe that I am half way into my ninth year here

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already. Time does fly by! I have a great full-time, year round staff. Matt Olsonoski, my assistant, was the first intern I hired at GVGCC. He is an avid golfer and youth hockey referee during the winter months. David Phillips, my second assistant, is a native of New Zealand. During his spare time, he enjoys training for and participating in triathlons. Alex Dowdle, my golf course technician, just started here this spring and is busy planning his July wedding. Brian Buerman, my equipment technician, rides his bike to work for exercise and does a lot of

kayaking in his spare time. I want to thank Henry Orme, our head golf professional, for running the golf event, to Francisco Gonzalez and his staff for the fine food we are sure to enjoy and to Tom Rubenstein and his staff, for planning and organizing the entire day with Jack MacKenzie. But most importantly, I need to thank our club president, Tom Shannon, and the entire Board of Directors for supporting my efforts in getting the MGCSA back out to GVGCC.See you in June!

The Golden Boys of Golden Valley G&CC

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Tips for Use of Tenacity™ Herbicide

By Dr. David Gardener, Associate Professor, Turfgrass Science OSU

What’s Creeping You Out Now?Ideas In Pest Management

Tenacity™ is a new herbicide from Syngenta. The active ingredient is mesotrione, which has perhaps the widest weed spectrum of any herbicide used in turfgrass. It has been available for use on golf courses for a couple of years. It has a very distinctive mode of action. It inhibits carotenoid pigment synthesis and results in a bleaching of the affected tissue which causes the target weed to turn white. Tenacity™ has many potential uses on the golf course. However, the label limits application to 16 ounces per acre per year (so two 8 oz applications or three 5 oz applications). Therefore, some thought should be given to how and when to use Tenacity™ in order to maximize its effectiveness.

Seedling Establishment or Overseeding One of the difficulties that turf managers

face when establishing turf from seed

is competition from weeds. Prior to the introduction of Tenacity™, there were two products labeled for control of weeds in newly seeded cool season turf: siduron and bromoxynil. Neither of these products are as effective as other herbicides used in cool season turf but their safety to turfgrass seedlings makes them a good option. Tenacity™ has excellent safety on Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. In fact, research conducted at Ohio State shows that Tenacity™ can be applied at seeding and results in no visible injury beyond 7 days after emergence nor any reduction in establishment rate. In the untreated controls there was as much as 70% crabgrass, purslane, and yellow nutsedge. The plots where 8 oz of Tenacity™ was applied, however, were 95-99% perennial ryegrass and weed free (Figure 1). This was the case whether applied as a liquid

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What’s Creeping You Out Now?

or as a granular. In another trial where we did get some weed pressure, a second application of Tenacity was made 28 days after seeding and this basically eliminated the weed competition.

Selective Creeping Bentgrass ControlTenacity™ is the first turfgrass

herbicide that results in rapid, easy to visualize reductions in weedy perennial grasses (Figure 2). Tenacity™ has activity against a variety of perennial grassy weeds, including creeping bentgrass. Best control, according to

most research, of creeping bentgrass is achieved if three applications are made on 14-21 day intervals. Tenacity™ has excellent safety on Kentucky bluegrass and good safety on ryegrass and tall fescue. Some phytotoxicity has been reported when repeated applications are made to perennial ryegrass. However, this problem can be minimized by applying in cooler weather and also by avoiding making sequential applications too close together (make applications 21 days apart on ryegrass and 14 days apart on bluegrass). At OSU, we were

Untreated plot Plot treated with Tenacity herbicide

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able to achieve 98% control of creeping bentgrass. Fall is the best time to begin a bentgrass removal program. Since Tenacity™ is safe to turfgrass seedlings, you should time the three applications so that you can over seed your desired turfgrass when the third application is made.

Some other perennial grasses are affected by Tenacity, such as nimblewill, orchardgrass, and bermudagrass. However, research is continuing on these grasses and no formal management recommendations are yet available.

Tenacity™ is a Very Broad Spectrum Herbicide

As a broadleaf herbicide, Tenacity™ has activity, both pre-and post-emergence, against a broad spectrum of broadleaf weeds. In many cases, a second application may be needed in order to achieve complete control of broadleaf weeds. Otherwise, one application will generally result in suppression of the weed, followed by re-growth in about 42-56 days. Dandelion is, however, an exception. Research at Ohio State suggests that you can expect about 70-85% control with either one or two applications. Our research also indicates that Tenacity™ has better activity on broadleaf weeds when combined with either dicamba or the pyridionxy herbicides fluroxypyr

or triclopyr. One important note is that our research also suggests that mesotrione does not combine well with either Quicksilver® or Dismiss® for broadleaf weed control. Tenacity™ has activity on clover. However, this is more suppression than control, particularly if only one application is made. When combined with pyridinoxy herbicides or dicamba, control of clover is improved.

Research conducted at Ohio State also suggests that you may achieve 100% control of crabgrass for 160 days when this product is used as a preemergence herbicide in combination with a product such as prodiamine. However, some other researchers have found it a bit less effective than this and you will want to check the label for specifics. It is also important to note this longevity of control if any overseeding projects are planned. In addition, our research suggests that mesotrione’s activity on crabgrass when applied postemergence is at least as good as, and occasionally better than, that of quinclorac.

Putting it All TogetherAs previously stated, the label says

you can apply 16 ounces per acre per year. If you have a weedy creeping bentgrass problem, then three 5 oz applications in the fall are appropriate. When you make the last application, you can overseed. If perennial broadleaf

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weeds are your only concern, there are many combination herbicides that perform better than Tenacity. However, if you are controlling bentgrass in late summer/early fall, you may get the additional benefit of some pretty good control of any broadleaf weeds that are in the treated area, which may mean you can skip your late fall postemergence broadleaf weed control treatment.

Tenacity is also a great product when establishing seedling turf in the springtime. Apply 8 ounces per acre at seeding. If competition from germinating weeds becomes a problem, a second

8 oz application can be made to the seeded area 21-42 days after the initial application, depending on the amount of weed pressure present.

Finally, if you are having problems with crabgrass control, Tenacity™ may help. Tenacity™ has been shown to improve and prolong the control of preemergence herbicides. It can also be used postemergence. Crabgrass control with any product can be quite variable. But, in trials at Ohio State University, we have seen Tenacity™ perform similar to, or better than, other postemergence crabgrass herbicides.

Mr. Hines Goes To Washington!!! Scottie Hines CGCS, travels to nation’s Capitol, meets with members of Congress, advocates for golf industry

Scottie Hines, CGCS, Superintendent, Windsong Farm Golf Club traveled to Washington, D.C., April 16-18 with nine peer members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Government Relations Committee to meet with members of Congress as part of National Golf Day.

The goal of the visits with federal lawmakers was to promote the true face of golf, one that better reflects the economic, human and environmental benefits of the industry across the nation.

The committee discussed a variety of issues with members of Congress and their staff affecting the golf industry including Clean Water Act (CWA) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) pesticide general permits, the H-2B visa program, as well as golf’s exclusion in recent years from federal relief and stimulus measures being considered by

Congress. “Scottie’s participation in National Golf Day was integral to sharing the positive message about golf on a widespread basis,” GCSAA Board of Director and Government Relations Committee Chairman John J. O’Keefe, CGCS, said. “This important event allows our federally elected officials the opportunity to understand the golf industry’s concerns. It was truly an honor to work with Scottie, GCSAA’s Government

Page 18

Relations Committee and the leaders of golf’s allied organizations to speak up as a unified voice to ensure lawmakers have an accurate perception of the golf industry.”

The Capitol Hill visits coincided with those of WE ARE GOLF, a coalition led by five of the golf industry’s leading associations and supported by other small businesses. Founded by GCSAA, the National Golf Course Owners Association, the World Golf Foundation, The PGA of America, and the Club Managers Association of America, WE ARE GOLF is a broad-based coalition that seeks to maximize the industry’s synergy and reduce redundancy. Its growing membership includes participation from association members, multi-course owners, manufacturers and golf facilities.

Beyond better demonstrating golf’s profound economic clout, WE ARE GOLF illustrates the industry’s environmental sustainability initiatives, its health and wellness benefits and its unparalleled charitable giving. First and foremost, the goal of WE ARE GOLF is to get members of Congress to understand golf’s contributions to communities across the country when they’re developing and advancing important legislation – just as all small businesses want. WE ARE GOLF will work to share information, case studies and articles with media, elected officials, regulators and other key constituents so they are better informed on issues of concern.

“I was pleased by the quality of

conversations we had,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “We did not come with a hand out for special favors. We came united as one, asking only for a level playing field with other industries and small businesses. That message resonated with the congressmen and women. Those who were already supporters of golf were surprised by the diversity and size of the industry. They vowed to help us in our efforts and share the information. But even more impressive was the reaction by those who were not golfers. They thanked us for coming to tell our story and offered feedback on how we could be successful in accomplishing our goals.”

Jeff Bollig, GCSAA Sr. Director of Communications

Page 19

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Toro walk greens mowers keep the score of the game in the golfer'shands. Whether you want the legendary cut of the 1000, or cut closelyto follow severe undulations at extremely low heights with the Flex 21,there's a Toro Greensmaster® that delivers the results you require.

Toro has taken our industry leading cutting performance to a whole newsound decibel and quality of cut level. The all-new Greensmaster®eFlex uses Lithium Ion Battery technology with ample power to mow upto 9 greens on a single charge. Advanced Lithium Ion Batterymanagement means no CO2 emissions, no disposal of toxic waste, noliquid levels to maintain, no terminals to clean...and the worry-free listgoes on.Click here for more information: www.toro.com/

Toro Greensmaster® Flex Series

Toro's all-new Greensmaster® TriFlex and TriFlex Hybrid riding greensmow-ers deliver the productivity of a rider and the precision cut of a walk behind.These models were completely redesigned from the ground up to deliverimproved cutting performance and course playability, setting a new standardfor cut quality in riding greens mowers.

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Toro Greensmaster® TriFlex Riding Mowers Toro Greensmaster® 3150-Q/3250-DRiding Mowers

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Superior putting starts with superior cutting.Superior putting starts with superior cutting.

Page 20

MTI Distributing, Inc.4830 Azelia Avenue N.

Brooklyn Center, MN 55429800-362-3665763-592-5600

Fax: 763-592-5700

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Fargo, ND 58102800-782-1031701-281-0775

Fax: 701-281-9417

Toro walk greens mowers keep the score of the game in the golfer'shands. Whether you want the legendary cut of the 1000, or cut closelyto follow severe undulations at extremely low heights with the Flex 21,there's a Toro Greensmaster® that delivers the results you require.

Toro has taken our industry leading cutting performance to a whole newsound decibel and quality of cut level. The all-new Greensmaster®eFlex uses Lithium Ion Battery technology with ample power to mow upto 9 greens on a single charge. Advanced Lithium Ion Batterymanagement means no CO2 emissions, no disposal of toxic waste, noliquid levels to maintain, no terminals to clean...and the worry-free listgoes on.Click here for more information: www.toro.com/

Toro Greensmaster® Flex Series

Toro's all-new Greensmaster® TriFlex and TriFlex Hybrid riding greensmow-ers deliver the productivity of a rider and the precision cut of a walk behind.These models were completely redesigned from the ground up to deliverimproved cutting performance and course playability, setting a new standardfor cut quality in riding greens mowers.

Click here for more information: www.toro.com/triflex

Toro Greensmaster® TriFlex Riding Mowers Toro Greensmaster® 3150-Q/3250-DRiding Mowers

Performance, power, comfort, and serviceabilityare found in Toro's riding green mowers. Golfcourse superintendents trust these legendarymowers to run quietly, work cleanly, and cutsuperbly, season after season.

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Superior putting starts with superior cutting.Superior putting starts with superior cutting.

Page 21

Page 22

Chaska-based golf course architect Kevin Norby has been elected an Associate member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. According to ASGCA Membership Director Aileen Smith, he becomes one of only 175 ASGCA members worldwide. Norby is now the only member of the ASGCA located in Minnesota. In fact, according to Smith, there are no other members headquartered in North or South Dakota, Iowa, Montana, Wyoming or Nebraska. The recognition comes following a rigorous application process that includes review of four completed courses by current ASGCA members, discussions

with project owners and a personal interview. It typically takes two years for an applicant to complete the process. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by other golf architects and accepted into the Society,” Norby said. Norby started his career as a land planner and landscape architect in 1976, but he didn’t discover golf course architecture until 1990, when he met Don Herfort, a Minnesota based golf architect and ASGCA Fellow. Don Herfort had suffered a heart attack while designing improvements at Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen, Minn. and Norby was asked to help finish the project. (Continued on page 28)

Norby Elected Associate Member of the ASGCA

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We currently utilize Yocum Oil for our gasoline and diesel needs. In 2010, Yocum rolled out contract pricing on both gas and diesel, where they allowed us to lock in at a set price for the quantity we desired. In 2012, contract pricing was not available for gasoline due to high volatility in the markets; however, this service was offered for diesel, and we locked in at a set price for the quantity we will consume. This has worked well from a budgetary standpoint. In 2010, this strategy was very beneficial financially. In 2011, this same strategy cost us a few dollars - the price of fuel was lower than the contract price. This is the risk of purchasing contract fuel.

Page 23

On Board: Q & A with a member of your BOD

How are the increases in fuel costs effecting your operations?Jake Schmitz, Superintendent at Olympic Hills Golf Club

On Board: continued.

Jake Schmitz continues... Battery operated machinery, along with natural gas powered vehicles, will more than likely be a reality in the not too distant future. It will be very interesting to view the impact that national drilling has on the price of oil. National production with less reliance on foreign oil is definitely a positive, yet it does not address the issue of oil being a non-renewable resource. Fuel costs definitely make one callous to how much is truly being spent to power vehicles. In 1997, when I was filling my Honda Accord

at $0.94 / gallon, I would have never entertained the idea of paying close to $4.00 / gallon. I guess we make due and become accustomed to the changes. Will we ever see $3.00 gas again? I highly doubt it. While greed plays a prominent role in fuel pricing, Americans will continue to pay for the benefits of having their own set of wheels. Likewise, golfers will continue to expect grass that is mowed and a golf course that is tidy. The rest comes down to smoke and mirrors…where can we shave costs without sacrificing quality.

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How are the increases in fuel costs effecting your operations? Bill Gullicks Superintendent Bell-wood Oaks Golf Club.

Over the last couple of years fuel prices have definitely affected

our operations and budgets. With superintendents already being asked to cut budgets, this is another hurdle for them to overcome. Every superintendent looks at it in a different way and each develops a

game plan on how they can address the issue to keep their facility operating to the clubs standards. A few years ago when fuel prices were on the rise we researched locking in fuel prices for the season. It seemed to be the thing everyone was doing at the time. We found pricing we were comfortable with and decided to lock in. It ended up being a good move for us as we saved a considerable amount of money. The following year we did the same

and thought we had locked at a good price, but ended up getting burned. It’s a difficult position to be in when you’re rolling the dice with the clubs money. The last two years we have been purchasing fuel at the current price levels, as there have not been the extreme ups and downs in fuel pricing. Due to fuel prices we have also looked into labor as it relates to equipment operations. Labor directly relates in a lot of ways to fuel use. We have looked closely at our mowing schedules, patterns and routing. One example of this would be our fairway mowing. From three years ago until now we have cut our mowing time

by 18%, which means 18% less: fuel, hours spent on equipment and labor. This was achieved by changing mowing patterns and routing which mower mows certain holes. I feel the days of $2 something gas is in our rear view mirror. It’s not very often something goes up in price and then returns to the original price. We need to accept our fate and look for ways to become more efficient in our use of fuel. Whether it is in the way we maintain our golf courses or the choices we make when purchasing new equipment. As with any other part of our budgets it all goes back to watching the bottom line.

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The MGCSA wishes to thank Reinders, Inc for their cosponsoring with the Minnesota Golf Association the program Turfgrass Heat Stress: Problems and Solutions seminar held April 25 at Midland Hills Country Club and hosted by Superintendent Mike Manthey. Three industry specialists, Dr. Brian Horgan, USGA Regional Specialist Bob Vavrick and Dr. Jim Kerns from UW Madison shared their research and insights in the turf industry. Over 100 individuals were in attendance from General Managers to Club Presidents to Pros.

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(continued from page 22) For the next 10 years, Norby worked with Herfort, and was responsible for more than 80 projects throughout the central United States, Canada and the Caribbean. Herfort passed away in 2011. Today Herfort Norby is located in Chaska, Minnesota and specializes exclusively in the design of golf courses and long-range master planning for golf courses.For his application to the society, Norby included:

· The Preserve, recognized in 2009 by Golf Inc. as the Best New Course of the Year and by Golf Digest, Golf magazine and Links magazine as top 10 best new course of the year;

· The Refuge Golf Club, recognized as one of the top public courses in Minnesota, and commended by the

Department of Natural Resources for the design’s environmental sensi-tivity;

· Greystone Golf Club, Sauk Centre, Minn., completed in collaboration with PGA Tour professional Tom Lehman;

· Boulder Pointe Golf Club, Elko, Minn.

Herfort Norby Golf course Architects currently has projects underway in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming and Colorado. A new 9-hole course at Rush Creek Golf Club in Minnesota is scheduled to open in May of 2012 and a new driving range and short-game practice facility was recently completed at the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis.

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I had the privilege of attending the MGCSA affiliate

appreciation day recently, and was able to address the group concerning this magazine. I would qualify the encounter as a success, with more than a few members talking to me afterward expressing the desire to submit articles for Hole Notes. I had never been to the affiliates meeting before, so the thought of that many “salesman” in the room with me, one of the few superintendents, initially sent a slight shudder down my spine. OK, I’m kidding. I truly am at ease talking to anybody about anything. However what did cross my mind as I drove the hour or so from Waconia back to Woodbury was could I ever envision myself stepping into those shoes- the shoes of supplier to the turf industry. The truth is that if you polled the affiliate members a majority of them would tell you they did just that. They started out working on the golf course in some capacity and for whatever reason decided to take the supplier path as a means to earn a living. I have always had a sense that some in the industry look down upon that, and it is a concept I never really understood. Suppliers are here essentially for two reasons- earn a living, and help us. The more they help us get our jobs done, the better they are able to realize their own business. Seems pretty cut and dry, and who would be better

served to help you in a time of need than somebody who might have gone through similar experiences in the past. I started my journey home, and quickly came to the conclusion that I could handle the job of being a sales representative just fine, as I slowed to avoid a tractor, just before turning onto Highway 212. Heck, I have the gift of gab and everybody loves me. I’m well organized, resolve conflict well, and am well rounded. My turf knowledge is immense. I have all the answers when our members or neighbors ask me stupid questions. Yes, I would be a natural. But as I cursed the Audi that cut me off in Eden Prairie, I started thinking about some of the suppliers I know and what it really took for them to be successful. First of all, I guess I would have to get used to the word no. As in: “No I don’t have time for you,” and “No I don’t need any right now,” and “No, I already ordered it from Joe Blow an hour ago.” Considering my love for the word in the form of “No I’m not going to stay on the cart path,” “No, you can’t topdress it’s ladies’ day,” and “No, I can’t make it in this weekend,” I guess I would put that in the “Something I have to work on,” category. And as I came to a screeching halt in Bloomington in the middle of a highway designed to move vehicles at 70 miles per hour, not five, there would be the issue of travel. Lots and lots of travel. I suppose I would have a nifty company vehicle to drive around in, but not to get too comfortable with. Seems I would be trading it in every couple years because it will be worn out. Kind of like the guy who is driving it. As traffic picked up I started thinking those two hurdles would be tougher than I first

by David Kazmierczak CGCS

Within the Leather

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realized, but I would relish the turf talk with my future customers. That would make the job fun all the time. I would just walk in the offices and there would be meaningful conversations. The customer would tell me his or her problems and I would tell them mi……….. Oh yea. I don’t have problems, at least not any that a customer would want to hear. They do not care that my profit margin is down and my boss’s blood pressure is up. They do not care that I have to rush something to another customer causing me to miss dinner and my kid’s soccer match, and really don’t care that the warehouse botched my order and sent the wrong product. All they care about is that I fix it- now. The Wacouta Bridge meant that my travel from west to east was almost complete, and my green haven called Prestwick was almost in sight. I concluded that is truly where I belong and the transition to a turf-related sales job would not be the slam dunk I thought it might at the start of the trip. Then one more thought popped into my head. When was the last time I had bought a beer, or a lunch, or even said thank you to one of my suppliers? When was the last time you did? I am not suggesting that you owe any supplier anything, and yes I am quite aware that most of those things are turned in on an expense report. However, if you have built this relationship of mutual trust and understanding why not show that appreciation every once in a while. I have already been in binds twice this season because I did not take the time to plan ahead or just plain did not pay attention. My suppliers bailed me out and had what I needed or found it right away, no questions asked. Is it their job to do that? Well, yes but realize constantly having to do that can get really old,

fast. I think many of us on the green side kind of take for granted the unique abilities of our suppliers. Not everybody is a good turf supplier. I imagine it is a skill set that has to be part natural, part learned and definitely honed through a period of time. They have to be super organized, even more so than us. They have to be part mother, part father, part psychologist, part negotiator. They have to be understanding and completely versed in their products successes and failures. They always have to have cheery disposition, or at least fake it well, and they always have to have their ears open. That is not always easy to do. Superintendents tend to be a grumpy bunch when push comes to shove, and on top of that the customer is always right. We always hear in our industry how a given superintendent is a great grass grower or an outstanding superintendent. How he or she is an innovator or a motivator of people. When was the last time you heard somebody say that somebody was a fantastic sales representative? I am sure their superiors can see it, hopefully not just in numbers. I happen to think I have, or am working with a few outstanding turf suppliers, and I know I would not be as successful as I am without them. We come to expect the thank you from them for the sale. We take for granted the customer dinner or sponsorship for the association. Their job is often thankless, so take the time every once in a while to thank them. Who knows, it could be you on that side someday, and you reap what you sow.

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